2011 has been amazing in many ways. As I sit here, typing in L’s bedroom in my tattered tee and shorts, I feel extremely contented and more blessed than (I feel) I deserve.

This year, I learnt to appreciate my family a lot more and as a result, we became a lot closer. What can I say that hasn’t already been said about them? They are my pillars, my rocks, especially my mum who loves and gives so unconditionally and guilelessly. My dad, who works so hard for the family; whose happy-go-lucky attitude and magnanimity are lessons on their own (even though he likes to be right and repeat his ‘heroic’ stories a thousand times over which gets on my nerves). My sisters, who don’t realise that sometimes after a long, discouraging day at work, the childish and silly things they do or say can make me laugh and feel better.

Outside of the family, I am also immensely grateful for my friends whom I know I can count on. I’m grateful to have been able to share their joys this year. Some got married, others welcomed new additions to their families, a few others got new jobs and started new relationships. It was a fruitful year for many.

For all these events, I try to journal them in this space I call my blog. In August, I registered this domain and bought this theme (which I so love). I also got acquainted with a few wonderful bloggers. We are friends now and I feel glad to have known them, and to learn from them.

I’ve also had the chance to travel a fair bit this year, both for work and personal vacations. I visited Genting, Taipei, Hong Kong, Penang, Melbourne, Bali, Sydney, Perth and Malacca. I spent my birthday at a country restaurant in Perth with L and the M Tans, wolfing down steak and fries and boogying to cowboy music.

On the work front, I got promoted and with the guidance of my boss, grew markedly in my role. Sure, there were days when I felt so highly strung and unappreciated (and even once where my presentation was completely shredded into pieces), but on the whole, I’m grateful for being given the opportunity to prove myself and will continue to do my best.

The cherry on top of 2011? Getting engaged to this funny, sweet, magnanimous, fart-machine of a guy who makes me laugh every single day. Through the years we have learnt to understand each other and to love unconditionally. We’re still learning about each other everyday. Really, I cannot be happier that it’s him I’ll be spending the rest of my days with.

What a year, huh :)

Happy New Year, everyone! I wish you nothing but the best in 2012!